Welcome to
Sycamore Ridge School
Sycamore Ridge School
Hi, my name is Alex Brill, and I am thrilled to be joining Sycamore Ridge for the 2024-2025 school year. Teaching has been my calling since childhood. What began as playing school with my stuffed animals evolved into a clear career path, leading me to pursue a degree in elementary education at the University of Oregon.
After completing my first year of teaching, I pursued a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver. My experience spans from teaching 5th grade to Transitional Kindergarten, giving me a comprehensive understanding of elementary education. Now, as I begin my seventh year in the profession, I'm thrilled to return to the 5th-grade classroom for my fourth year teaching this grade level. I'm excited for the wonderful school year ahead!
Teacher Contact Information:
858-755-0160 ext 3813
My teaching philosophy is rooted in creating a nurturing, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I believe in a holistic approach that combines student-led discovery and social interaction to foster academic achievement. By implementing differentiated instruction and language-rich strategies, I strive to meet the individual needs of each learner, including English Language Learners. My classroom is a space for hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and meaningful experiences that encourage students to take risks, make discoveries, and build self-confidence. I am committed to fostering not only academic growth but also social and emotional development, preparing students for lifelong learning. Collaboration with parents and the community is integral to my approach, as I believe in creating a comprehensive support system for each child's educational journey.
In fifth grade, students can expect a dynamic learning environment focused on growth in all areas - academic, personal, and emotional. Our classroom will be a safe space where independence, responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning are encouraged and celebrated. Students will tackle more challenging academic content while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They'll have opportunities to work collaboratively on projects, engage in meaningful discussions, and take on leadership roles within the classroom. Parents can anticipate being active partners in their child's education, as we believe in the power of a strong home-school connection. With teachers, parents, and students working together as a team, fifth graders will be well-prepared for the exciting transition to 6th grade that lies ahead.
I grew up in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona. I moved to San Diego in 2015 and now live in Cardiff with my husband, Anthony, and our two fur babies, Bentley and Oliver. When I'm not in the classroom, I'm more often than not outside. I love gardening, surfing, biking, hiking, snowboarding, cooking new recipes, and throwing pottery. During our breaks, I look forward to tackling DIY house projects and traveling.